This time of joy for Coptic Christians in the Bay Area and all over the U.S. has turned into a time of somber reflection because of a brutal terrorist attack on a church in Egypt.

A New Year’s Day bombing that killed 21 worshipers at a church in Egypt has soured the Christmas holiday, which Copts celebrate on Jan. 7.

Coptic leaders from New Jersey to California have declared days of additional fasting and prayer after the bombing and canceled the concerts, children’s plays, receptions and feasts that traditionally mark the holiday.